Fish compadability and water changing questions

[Preest]

Good day all.

I'm in the process of getting my new 10g tank cycled. When ready, I'm planning on having a 2 Dwarf Gourami's and 8 neon (or cardinal) tetra's. Both species are quite passive from what I've read, although the tetra's like a little more acidic pH compared to the gourami's. Would this be an issue for these fish? I'd want them to be as well off as possible so I can get the most enjoyment from them, I hate seeing stressed and unhappy fish.

And a couple questions on changing my water. When I do my regular 15-20% water changes, should I be gravel vacuuming every time? Or save the vacuuming for once every 2 weeks/month? Also, currently I have all artificial plants, but if I get some live ones would that impact on how often I should vacuum?

Thanks for any feedback.

 

[southpaw]

As for changing the water and gravel vacuuming I kinda alternate how deep I go when doing the vacuuming... One week I will not go as deep and mainly try to get all that is on top and maybe an inch deep the next I tend to get deeper and move things around and get under them better.

 

[Kuhlifan]

the fish should get along well. While the PH may not be perfect for both, they should hold up ok. From what I've read, the only thing that may suffer is they may not feel up to breeding, but be otherwise healthy and happy fish.

Plants will definitely help the water quality, but won't really touch cleaning schedules. There will still be plenty of gunk to suck up. You may be able to wait a little longer to do water changes, but on the whole will most likely continue the standard routine.

 

[jm1212]

two dwarf gouramis will not get along well in that size of tank (two male gouramis will fight). you are better off with only one, also considering that having two AND a school of neons would overstock the tank.